The Collection

Featured Items

Our best, hand-selected historical pieces

A rotating selection of hand-picked pieces from the gallery's current inventory, drawn from across the collection — Civil War arms, excavated relics, artillery projectiles, and accoutrements. Each item is researched and offered with documented provenance when it can be traced.

U.S. Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber — overhead view of the brass three-branch guard and blade

U.S. Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber — "Wristbreaker" — Shiloh Battlefield Provenance

U.S. Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber, commonly known as the "Wristbreaker," with verbal provenance as an early battlefield pickup from the Battle of Shiloh. Fought April 6–7, 1862, Shiloh pitted approximately 45,000 Confederates against 65,000 Union soldiers and resulted in nearly 24,000 casualties. The staggering violence and loss of life shocked the nation, making Shiloh the bloodiest battle in American history up to that time. According to its verbal provenance, this saber was recovered from the Shiloh battlefield. The scabbard and original leather grips are missing, likely from exposure to the elements before its recovery. Measurements: Overall Length: 42" Blade Length: 35½" Provenance Note: The Shiloh battlefield association is based on verbal provenance accompanying the artifact and is not independently documented.

$600.00
Excavated Civil War iron canister shot examples

Civil War Excavated Cannon Canister Shot

A large excavated Civil War iron canister shot recovered from the ground. Canister rounds consisted of numerous iron balls packed inside a tin canister and were fired at close range, effectively turning a cannon into a massive shotgun. Used by both Union and Confederate artillery, canister was one of the most devastating anti-infantry munitions of the Civil War. Sold individually. Pictured: representative examples; each shot is excavated and varies slightly in surface patina. Pieces measure about 1.5" diameter. You will receive one of the examples shown, while supplies last.

$15.00
Mansfield & Lamb maker's mark stamped on the ricasso of the 1864 Model 1860 light cavalry saber

1864 Mansfield & Lamb Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber

A beautiful, Civil War–dated Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber manufactured in 1864 by Mansfield & Lamb of Rhode Island. Originally a producer of farm scythes, the firm secured a government contract and delivered approximately 37,458 cavalry sabers between February 1862 and the end of the Civil War. This example displays honest wear from extensive field use, particularly along the scabbard and drag. The wire-wrapped leather grip shows wear and a crack on the reverse. The maker's mark, 1864 date, and inspector's initials remain exceptionally clear. The scabbard is free of dents and bends, while the blade has no notable damage and retains a sharp edge. Overall, this is a spectacular and well-preserved artifact of the American Civil War that undoubtedly saw service.

Sold$1,100.00
Exterior view of the Confederate 12 lb cannonball half showing the Bormann fuze threading detail

Exploded Confederate 12 lb. Cannonball Half

A unique half of an exploded Confederate 12-pound Bormann-fuzed cannonball. This 4.5-inch-caliber shell was fired and exploded during the 1863–1864 fighting north of Atlanta. Although the Bormann fuze was a Union invention, captured examples allowed Confederate arsenals to reproduce the design. This example displays a gap between the upper fuze threads and the underplug threads, which accommodated a leather washer not found on Union examples. It is highly unusual to find a cannonball split so evenly through the center. The interior also retains traces of its original black pine tar, which was used to hold the lead case-shot balls in place.

$100.00
Exploded Union 12lb Bormann-fuzed cannonball fragment showing threaded fuze seat and interior surface

Exploded Union 12lb Bormann-Fuzed Cannonball Fragment

A large fragment—approximately 35–40%—of an exploded Union 12-pound Bormann-fuzed cannonball. Excavated in North Georgia near Atlanta, this shell was likely fired during the heavy fighting of 1863 or 1864.

$65.00
U.S. C.C.S. 1862 inspector and date markings on the Mansfield & Lamb cavalry saber

1862 U.S. Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber — Mansfield & Lamb

An original 1862-dated U.S. Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber manufactured by Mansfield & Lamb of Rhode Island. Originally a producer of farm scythes, the firm secured a government contract and delivered approximately 37,458 cavalry sabers between February 1862 and the end of the Civil War. Only about 10,000 were manufactured in 1862, with the production issued for wartime service. 1862 is the most desirable year of this series of M1860s. This example displays extensive wear to the scabbard and drag, consistent with prolonged field use dragging against the ground while the soldier walked. Roughly 90% of the original leather grip remains, although the wire wrapping is missing and the wood underneath the leather is visible in spots with heavy wear. The maker's mark, date, and inspector's initials remain clearly visible and beautifully preserved. The scabbard is free of major damage, with only a small nick and a slight dent towards the scabbard throat, which does not affect the saber sliding cleanly in and out of the scabbard. The edge of the guard is bent upwards, a common soldier alteration which allowed for more comfortable carrying. The blade edge has a couple of minor nicks. Overall, this is a spectacular and heavily used artifact of the American Civil War with outstanding historical character.

Sold$800.00
M1840 U.S. Heavy Cavalry Saber Wristbreaker by Schnitzler & Kirschbaum

M1840 U.S. Heavy Cavalry Saber “Wristbreaker” — Schnitzler & Kirschbaum

This M1840 U.S. Heavy Cavalry Saber, nicknamed the “Wristbreaker” because of its substantial weight, was reportedly found concealed within the walls of a Civil War period plantation home in northern Mississippi. The saber was manufactured by the prominent German firm Schnitzler & Kirschbaum of Solingen, which supplied early contract blades to the United States. The firm’s “S&K” marking remains visible on the bottom of the scabbard drag. The blade is in good condition and retains a sharp point. The hilt is missing its original wooden and leather grip. Because the leather washer between the blade and guard is also missing, the two components rattle slightly. The scabbard displays several minor dents, and a firm pull is required to unsheathe the saber. Both scabbard suspension rings remain intact. Although the saber’s provenance is verbal, its condition is consistent with an attic or barn find. It was protected from direct exposure to the elements but was not properly stored. Based on its reported discovery location, it may have been concealed during the Civil War to prevent its capture or confiscation. The M1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber was among the most widely used cavalry swords of the American Civil War. This examples overall condition is fair and consistent with its reported provenance.

$625.00
Obverse of the April 6, 1863 Confederate States of America $5 note

April 6th 1863 Confederate States of America $5 Note

An original Confederate States of America $5 note dated April 6, 1863. This note is in good condition and features the Confederate Capitol Building, now the Virginia State Capitol, at the top center of the obverse, along with a portrait of Christopher Gustavus Memminger, Confederate Secretary of the Treasury, at the bottom right.The reverse features five numeral “5” designs with a large Roman numeral “V” at center. The note displays well and has no rips or tears present.The wording on the obverse reads:“FUNDABLE IN STOCKS OR BONDS OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES.TWO YEARS AFTER THE RATIFICATION OF A TREATY OF PEACE BETWEEN THE CONFEDERATE STATES & THE UNITED STATESThe Confederate States of AmericaWILL PAY TO Bearer FIVE DOLLARS.Richmond 5RECEIVABLE IN PAYMENT OF ALL DUES EXCEPT EXPORT DUTIES.”Printed by Keating & Ball of Columbia, South Carolina.

Sold$75.00